The 27-year-old moves to London after two-and-a-half years in Spain where she added even more silverware to an already impressive list from her time in England with Manchester City and the Lionesses.

After putting pen to paper with the Blues, Walsh said: ‘It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started.

‘You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit.

‘Speaking to Paul Green, Sonia and Camille, I just got such a good feeling from them. It has been really positive. I want to play for this club and fight for the badge.’

Head of women’s football Paul Green added: ‘Keira is a player who will add huge value to an already talented squad. She has vast experience at the highest level, winning major honours at both domestic and international level.

‘She is a composed defensive midfielder, with excellent technical attributes and world-class football intelligence. Her playing style and ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial to our game model as we move forward.’

Walsh's senior career began with Blackburn Rovers before she joined Manchester City as a teenager in 2014. Her first campaign ended with her lifting City’s first major honour: the League Cup.

In 2016, she played a pivotal role as City claimed a domestic double, winning a first Women’s Super League title and FA Cup at Wembley.

Walsh went on to lift the FA Cup twice more during her time in Manchester. She scored the opening goal against West Ham in the 2019 final and played the full match the following season when City defeated Everton.

After eight successful years in Manchester, Walsh joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022. In Spain, she won eight trophies, including six domestic triumphs and two UEFA Champions League titles.

On the international stage, Walsh has established herself as a key force for England since making her senior debut in November 2017.

She represented the Lionesses at the 2019 World Cup in France and played a vital role in their 2022 European Championship triumph. She was named Player of the Match in the final against Germany at Wembley and in the Team of the Tournament.

In 2023, Walsh was part of the England team that reached the first women’s World Cup final where the Lionesses lost narrowly to Spain.

She also represented Team GB at the delayed 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, making three appearances before exiting at the quarter-finals stage.

Everyone at Chelsea is excited to welcome Keira to the club, and we look forward to seeing her impress in Chelsea blue.